“Insolence will not be tolerated, and I warn you, students, not to misinterpret our Dean’s goodwill as frailty because punishment will always follow misdeed. Cheating on assignments and tests alike will result in immediate suspension. Any consumption of skill enhancement potions will be ended with permanent expulsion. Students who distribute such potions will be charged with time in the Graveside for a minimum of three months. With that cheery note, I welcome you to The Complete World History Of Thalas for first years!” 

The professor was giddy as he recited the grim speech. His eyes sparkled as he said the name, “Graveside”, and was hysterical at the student’s reactions. The boy sitting next to Sion almost fainted. 

She thought that the reaction was a tad too theatrical but could understand the alarm that spread throughout the class. Graveside was Thalas’ most dire prison, only the most violent of delinquents were sent to the establishment. She was sure that the charging of Graveside to a minor would result in severe legal trouble and decided to pay no mind to the teacher’s warning. Judging from the other students' nervousness, Sion supposed that they were unaware and Sion decided to keep it that way. 

Keeping them free of the information meant that she could use it as a neat piece of blackmail for that haughty teacher.

“Quinn I need to borrow- oh my goodness are you scaring them already? Children, don’t listen to Quinn he’s just trying to frighten you, you’re not going to Graveside or whatever he’s trying to tell you. Really Quinn this is why Trihn left you. Not because of your baking, though those biscuits you made last week did need some sweetness to them. They were much too sour for the average person.”

The woman talking was the most animated person Sion had ever seen. Her hands flew in all directions as she jabbered on, her face contorting so many expressions, and her eyes were fit for the theatre. The professor, or Quinn as she called him, was aghast. First crimson, then bone pale, and finally his skin settled into the shade of cotton pink as Rin’s hair.

Sion decided she quite liked the animated woman. 

“Minthe would you please contain yourself in front of the students, and for the last time do not push Trihn’s name into the conversation. Now, I’m sure you’re students will be missing you so it would be nice if you went back to your classroom and actually taught something you’re students.”

This time it was Minthe’s turn to be coloured red. With a snip goodbye, she strutted her way to the door but turned around at the last moment.

“By the way it’s not a classroom, it’s a greenhouse.” Sion began to miss the woman the moment she left the room.

                                                                                              ♕

“Did you see the teacher of Garden Study? She’s an absolute firecracker! Her room’s more of a playground than a classroom and she didn’t even try to start a lecture, just told us to feel the plants and be hands-on with them. Best class of the day!”

Rin’s face lit up as he sang his praises of the teacher. Sion wholeheartedly agreed with his view of the charismatic professor. Not only did the Garden Studies teacher prove herself to be a sublime source of entertainment during one of Sion’s most tedious classes but she also was a valorous inspiration. Or a “firecracker”, as Rin put it.

“She told off the World History Of Thalas teacher earlier today, it was a marvellous spectacle. By the time she was done with him, he was withering in shame! I wish I could go back in time and sign up for her class. I’m missing a whole year’s worth of fun!”

Rin made her an expression of pity. 

“Well, I’m sure you’ll always be able to hear the rumours at the very least. The gossip train is always going to catch onto the latest scandals.” 

Sion nodded and resumed picking at her fruit bowl. Her appetite had shrunk after coming to the prestigious school. She blamed her personal chefs who had coddled her for so many years that even the most delicately made foods were lacking compared to her usual gourmet dishes.

“You gonna eat that?” 

Sion shook her head and pushed the bowl towards Rin’s direction. He munched on the sweet berries. The fruits were gone in less than a minute. Sion's stomach began to growl as soon as the food had vanished from her plate.